Topic I: MINIPREPARATION OF PLASMID DNA

The minipreparation of plasmid DNA, or miniprep, is a small-scale isolation of plasmid DNA from bacteria. Two main approaches have been used for this isolation; the first and more traditional technique is often a variation on the original protocol by Birnboim and Doly (1979). The second uses a special silica matrix to bind DNA and then release it under certain conditions. The matrix is often included in a spin-column. Many of the biotechnology companies sell kits for plasmid isolation that use this technology. We will use the traditional method for the miniprep and you will have an opportunity to use the spin-columns in other isolation procedures.